Former University of Mobile president Magnoli dies May 1

University of Mobile officials announced today (May 3) that flags have been lowered to half staff in honor of the university’s second president, Michael A. Magnoli, who died May 1 at 75.

Magnoli served as president of his alma mater from 1984 to 1997.

He was a member of the then-Mobile College charter class of 1967 where he served as editor of The Rampage yearbook and was a campus leader, helping establish many of the university’s traditions that continue today.  He joined the Mobile College administration and served in development, becoming president upon the retirement of founding president Dr. William K. Weaver Jr.

While Magnoli’s final years as president of UM were marked with controversy, he is still credited for several updates to the school such as an organizational structure change that also changed the name to the University of Mobile on July 1, 1993.

Under his leadership, the college expanded athletic facilities and started an intercollegiate athletic program that is now one of the largest in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The university won its first NAIA national championships in men’s and women’s tennis, men’s golf and women’s soccer during his tenure. The first master’s degree programs were started in education, business administration, nursing and religion. Residential and academic facilities were constructed.

The university also opened a branch campus in Nicaragua, which was the source of much of Magnoli’s controversy. The Nicaragua campus was sold in 2000.

Several of the university’s signature landmarks were established during Magnoli’s presidency, including the Sentinel 18 Fountain sculpture. Lyon Chapel was originally built in 1883 as St. Stephens Baptist Church in St. Stephens, Alabama, then was moved to campus and restored in 1988.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held May 7 at 2 p.m. at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article was adapted from the original version posted by University of Mobile.